If you are envious of the bright smiles celebrities flaunt, you may want to consider at-home teeth whitening. Although not always considered as effective as professional treatments, teeth-whitening products for home use have some perks. Also, these products often come with the American Dental Association's seal of approval. Some methods may work a little better than others, but effective methods do exist. Exploring the options for at-home teeth whitening can help almost anyone enjoy the fresher, brighter smile they desire.

Why Go For Whiter Teeth?The benefits of whiter teeth generally are nothing more than cosmetic, but that does not mean that there are not very compelling reasons for seeking out teeth whitening products. The perks of a whiter smile include:

Improved self-esteem. Stains, discoloration and other issues can affect a person's self-esteem just like cosmetic issues in other areas of the body can.

Better first impressions. It is a simple reality that people tend to remember big, white smiles.

Better oral hygiene. In the process of working with different teeth whitening system options, many people develop better hygiene habits, as well. Everything from regular checkups, brushing and flossing can go along well with whitening to give a person the look they desire. When daily routine is improved, the chances of stains reappearing can be lessened, too.

Why Good Teeth Go BadThere are a variety of reasons why teeth tend to darken or yellow. From natural causes to external influences, some issues can be addressed and decrease the need for repeat teeth whitening.

Genetics, for example, can play a role in the actual cast of a tooth's enamel. Aging also has an impact on the condition of a person’s teeth. As teeth age, it is common for the enamel to thin and for teeth to appear yellow or gray.

External influences can also affect the coloration of the teeth. Smoking, using chewing tobacco, drinking coffee, tea or soda and eating certain foods can stain the teeth. If some of these influences are removed or brushing takes place shortly after contact, the chances of staining can be reduced.

Experts Sound In On Teeth Whitening ProductsWhile some experts say not all at home teeth whitening products work as they should, some come highly recommended. These products when used correctly can reduce the appearance of yellow discoloration and some stains. The American Dental Association, however, does warn patients that dark stains and graying might not benefit from teeth whitening products. A veneer treatment or other procedure might be necessary in extreme cases.

Although the ADA does lend its seal of approval to a variety of whiter teeth products, it does strongly urge people to consult their dentists first. While over the counter products can be effective, the agency says that some at-home dentist prescribed solutions might be necessary in certain cases. In other cases, professional whitening treatments or other methods offer a more viable solution.

Store-Bought Options for Whiter TeethThere is a variety of options on the teeth whitening product market. If you are interested in achieving whiter teeth at home, you might be a little overwhelmed by the options.

Some products available include:

Teeth whitening system products. These generally include such things as strips, in-mouth plates filled with solutions and even multi-step application products. The effectiveness tends to vary. Many people look for those systems that have received ADA approval.

Rinses. There are a variety of dental rinses and mouthwashes that report to have teeth whitening effects. Again, many people prefer to seek out those products recommended and approved by the ADA.

Toothpastes. These are also available on the market and generally are the most affordable option. Although many of these teeth whitening products carry ADA approval, they can take a great deal of time for results to appear.

Chemicals Involved In Teeth WhiteningIn addition to the basic forms of tooth whitening products, there are different chemical combinations that are used to produce a whiter, brighter effect. According to the ADA, the most common blends include:

Bleaching products. These tend to contain peroxide to facilitate the removal of both deep and surface stains. Sometimes other bleaching agents are used in the mix, as well. When peroxide is in the blend, the ADA normally targets a 10-percent or higher carbamide peroxide solution as the ideal formulation for at home teeth whitening.

Polishes. Toothpaste that reports to work for teeth whitening may contain peroxide, but there may also be other agents involved in the mix to help polish away stains. Baking soda, for example, is not an uncommon ingredient.

Natural Alternatives for Teeth WhiteningThere are varieties of natural alternatives that can help with at home teeth whitening. The overall effectiveness can vary, but many people swear by their use.

One of the most commonly used at-home blends for teeth whitening includes making a peroxide and baking soda paste from scratch. Rather than toothpaste, this blend is used to scrub the teeth from time to time. There are some warnings that the baking soda can wear on tooth enamel though, so many people do not use this route on a daily basis. This treatment is typically followed up by brushing with regular toothpaste or rinsing to remove gritty residue and the bad taste of the baking soda.

Another option involves creating a paste out of lemon juice and salt in equal proportions. According to BeautyFeast.com, this can help lighten the appearance of discolored teeth.

A sweeter alternative to the baking soda and peroxide method involves baking soda and ripe strawberry. According to Health.com, this method works because of the malic acid, which "acts an astringent to remove surface discoloration."

When the baking soda and berries are blended into a pasty pulp, the resulting cleanser can buff coffee, wine and soda stains away. The mixture should be left on the teeth for about five minutes and then brushed off with regular toothpaste. Floss might be required to get the seeds out.

The method is recommended by dentist Adina Carrel, who says that this is a "fast, cheap way to brighten your smile." She does warn to only use this method occasionally to protect enamel.

Another natural option comes from Natural-HomeRemedies.com. The site says rubbing the inside of an orange peel on the teeth can help remove surface stains.

Whether you are looking for a product you can buy or one you can make at home, there are many options for at home teeth whitening. How effective or ineffective different methods will be can vary greatly. Sometimes stains simply are too set in or of the wrong color for easier options to solve. In most cases, a dental consultation is a smart idea, too.

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